Marriage License Requirements in Virginia
Virginia has no residency requirement and one of the lower marriage license fees nationally. Licenses are issued by the Clerk of the Circuit Court in each county or independent city — Virginia is one of the few states where cities like Virginia Beach and Richmond function as their own jurisdiction, separate from any county. Requirements below apply statewide.
| Minimum age to marry | 18 to marry without a court order. |
|---|---|
| Waiting period | None — you can marry the same day the license is issued. |
| License validity | 60 calendar days, and the marriage must take place in Virginia. |
| Blood test required | No |
| Documents you’ll need | Valid photo ID for both applicants. No blood test or residency proof required. |
What a Virginia marriage license typically costs
Virginia has one of the lowest marriage license fees we’ve found nationally — $30 in every jurisdiction we’ve researched so far (Fairfax, Arlington, and Loudoun counties). Select your county or city below to confirm its exact fee, since it can vary by jurisdiction.
Counties we cover in Virginia
Requirements above are set by Virginia state law and apply the same way in every county and independent city. The fee, hours, and exact application process are set locally — select your jurisdiction above for those specifics.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Virginia marriage license cost?
It’s one of the lower fees nationally — $30 in Fairfax County, the jurisdiction we’ve verified so far. Check your specific county or city’s guide for its exact fee, since Virginia issues licenses at the county and independent-city level.
What’s an “independent city” in Virginia?
Virginia Beach, Richmond, and several other Virginia cities are legally separate from any county — they have their own Circuit Court Clerk who issues marriage licenses, just like a county would. If you’re marrying in one of these cities, you apply there directly rather than through a surrounding county.
Do we have to be Virginia residents?
No. Virginia has no residency requirement to apply for a marriage license.
Is there a waiting period in Virginia?
No. You can get married the same day your license is issued.
See how Virginia’s fees compare to other states → Getting married in a different county than you live in →